Topshop launches in Brisbane!

Yes, completely aware that I'm a little late in this news and hopefully you've all already been to check out Topshop's gorgeous new store in Brisbane! During launch night I was lucky enough to gain access to the event and even ask Chairman of Next Athleisure Hilton Seskin (The company responsible for bringing Topshop to our shores) a few burning questions about Topshop.

How will Topshop/Topman cater to Brisbane?
A lot of research goes into any new location we open in, and we strive to understand the local fashion scene in order to tailor our collections to the audience. Combining this with our fast fashion philosophy, this is one of our key points of difference in the market.

Where will you be opening next in Australia?
These is a new location coming to Melbourne at Highpoint Shopping Centre and a store is planned for Perth in 2014.

Has Brisbane influenced the current collection?
We have sent Topshop/Topman designers to Brisbane to design exclusive wares for our latest audience. The collection we have in store here is custom selected and designed with Brisbane in mind, so there are many items in here that you won't find online or in other stores.

Are the collections in Australian stores what you'll find online?
Not quite, You will find completely new designs for each store each season and while there may be familiar themes we select different fabrics, shapes and stories across our stores.

What do you like about Brisbane?
I have been here many times and I'm finding that Brisbane is becoming more quirky. There is a renewed interest in the little laneway cafe and the trendy restaurant, There is a lot of personality and individual touches to find.

So how about that! I'm really impressed to find that amount of research and care is put into each Topshop location, Have you checked out the shop? What did you buy!

Sambag Celebrates their First Birthday at Wintergarden Brisbane

I love an Aussie success story! After reading the news and seeing stories about renowned labels going into administration, or being sold to new overseas owners it really makes my day to see Sambag thriving.
For those who haven't heard of this label yet it is the epitome of Simplicity being the ultimate in sophistication. Renowned for their impossibly soft ballet flats and classic accessories, it's a brand that you cannot go wrong with.

Luxe Scarves to finish off an outfit

I'm completely in love with these Leopard Print Ballets!

Earlier this month I had the privilege of having an early viewing of their upcoming range and to meet the designer and creator of Sambag - Sam Wagner herself. I have a lot of admiration for her, as a single mother building an entire label from the ground up into an international brand with stores in Australia and Hong Kong, Sam even sold her engagement ring to help fund the venture, which as you can see has truly paid off!

The store invites you in with chic light scarves perfect for our upcoming Summer hanging luxuriously from displays, accompanying supple leather bags and shoes that beg to be touched. The Signature shade of blue speaks volumes of the effortless chic the label embodies.

Designer Sam Wagner with her creations (Pink flats! <3!)

Jewelry by Deepa Gurnani, Clutch by Sambag

Of course I had to try on some of the wares! I completely fell in love with these incredible bracelets by Deepa Gurnani. The Cuff styles are created on a leather base with lobster claw closures, and I simply adore the studded one on the top, Perfect to stack, you've really got to go and see them on yourself.

The wonderful team at Sambag Brisbane

Sambag Brisbane is located in the recently refurbished Wintergarden Shopping Complex, Nestled in Brisbane's humming CBD, the girls in store are waiting to help make the shopping experience something to savour!

Sambag Brisbane

Wintergarden Shopping Centre

Shop G14, Ground Level

171-205 Queen Street Mall

Brisbane

(The same block as the Hilton Hotel)

Opening hours

Mon – Thurs 9:00am – 5:30pm

Fri 9:00am – 9:00pm

Sat 9:00am – 5:00pm

Sun 10.30am – 4:00pm

Have you been to Sambag or Wintergarden recently? What gorgeous things did you find?

Winter Facials by Guinot

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of meeting Laura Pritchard of Guinot (pronounced Ghee-no for those new to the brand) to experience a Liftosome Facial, one of two Winter treatments (the other being the Hydralift Treatment) available from Guinot that lifts and firms the face. So off to Outshine Beauty Salon and Medi spa in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane I went to check it out.
Outshine is a chic little beauty haven nestled just off James Street where you can easily spend a day exploring some of Brisbane's best shopping. I've recently rediscovered this little nook down the hill from Fortitude Valley and love it to bits!

The Liftosome Facial from Guinot

What makes this facial so special?
Featuring a serum that includes four star ingredients (Pro Collagen, Alaria Esculenta, Vitamin C and Bio-peptides EL and CL) the treatment will take around 45 minutes. During the process they also apply a special clay mask that heats up to a gentle warmth to ensure that the applied product works its way deeper then usual into your skin for even better results. I asked to have a look at it afterwards, and it was interesting but also a little scary to see just how thick it was! It didn't feel that heavy at all.
Your beauty therapist will then massage your face, neck and decollete with the serum. This was my favorite part of the treatment, it's so relaxing to have an expert treating your skin with such care and excellent technique.
You also get some amazing results after just one treatment with firmness increased by 26.5% and wrinkles diminished by 20.4%
The end result is firmer, brighter skin with added perk. This is an ideal treatment for a special occasion as the results are quite immediate, but will get still improve even further after a short program of facials. I was really stoked with the results but felt even better about them when a friend of mine who didn't know I was going for this facial commented that my skin looked amazing two days later. She wanted to know what I had been doing differently lately!

For those who are interested in the Hydralift Treatment, while I didn't experience one firsthand I can tell you that it is an effective method to exercise the muscles in your face. Much like your body, your face benefits from working out too to give you a youthful look. By draining toxins and stimulating muscles the treatment reshapes, tones and firms, while minimizing fine lines. Products used during your Hydralift session will be tailored to your skin type with a choice of half hour, full hour or two hours for your treatment. Further sessions have the added benefits of being even more effective in banishing wrinkles and lifting the eye area.

For more information, please visit the Guinot Australia Website where you can also find your local Guinot treatment supplier.

Please note that while this service was complementary, the above opinion is purely my own and in no way swayed by any third parties.

Daiso now open in Myer Centre Brisbane

I am very pleased to inform you all of an amazing chain of stores that has arrived to Australia and have just made their way to Brisbane. (Topshop, I'm still waiting.) Daiso Japan are a unique concept, while you may think you have seen every form of reject and two bob shop around, They aren't anywhere near as epic as this.
The main shtick of the stores is that everything they sell is the meager price of $2.80 AUD. I described it to friends this week as a store you will find almost every knick-knack you would see in a house. After visiting it over the weekend, I wasn't disappointed.
The place was completely humming with people but I spent a good hour trawling the shelves. what I love about it is the authentic Japanese variety of goods dispersed in a range of everyday Westerner items. Double eyelid tape next to eyelash curlers, Traditional Tabi socks, Pocket sandwich makers next to Pasta spoons.
Topped off with the cute manner that Japanese gets translated into English all over the product labels and you have an entire store brimming with stuff to make you smile. I recommend picking up everything you don't quite understand and having a read of what they do, some of them are pretty nifty.

Check out what I hauled after the Jump!

Loving this week - Summer boots, Oil and it's finally raining!

I'm a fencesitter, while you get most people who are very black and white about things I tend to find the good in both ends of the spectrum. I like cats AND dogs, Summer AND Winter. But most of all I love it when a piece that would usually be relegated to one season, can be worn in the other.
Cut out boots are going to be huge this Summer, and already there are enviable versions in store. Balenciaga have an awesome pair but not everyone can reach that price point. Here are two styles that I would love to add to my shoe rack, perfect to throw on with a summery above the knee dress. These two varieties by Jeffrey Campbell tickle my fancy. The Tripoli Cutouts almost look normal from the front but feature a sneaky cut out around the heel, while the chunky flatform of these Roscoe Cutout Boots rock my socks.

Nothing beats an oil to remove hardcore makeup. They operate on the notion that like attracts like to remove the day without stripping your skin of its natural protection. So far all of the ones I've found are just too expensive for me, So when I spotted Cleanse off Oil by MAC for $15 a bottle I figured I'd have to give it a try. Add to cart.

Lastly, it's raining.. Oh my god. It's been about 3-4 months since we're had proper rain, and the days where it's sprinkled I could count on one hand. I miss the way the world is lit with white light under the clouds, the way water runs down the window panes, and the crisp, clean scent. Snuggled on the couch with a book and a nice hot cup of tea. These are my favourite kind of days.

Benefit Myer Centre have moved, and you get the goodies!

Today's minor Benefit Haul

I had a mild panic today. I walked into Myer in Brisbane CBD on a mission to fix my overgrown eyebrows, (you know that moment where you look in the mirror and decide "Enough is enough! It's professional time!") So I trundled to where I'm expecting The Benefit Brow Bar to be and discovered another Beauty label has taken up residence. "Hmmm," I thought, then walked around to where the normal Benefit counter lived, only to find it was gone too! I almost wailed out loud at this point, but luckily I had the sense to have a quick scan of the floor and spotted a brand new and gorgeous dedicated set up just across from the MAC area, Hurray!

After chatting with the lovely counter ladies they informed me of a fantastic deal they have going for their grand relocation opening week, (Just at this location, sorry ladies!) You will get a free Eyebrow Tint with every Brow Arch Wax! I had this service done for the first time today, my eyebrows are rather dark as it is and thought it wouldn't be worth a go, but it has subtlety added a bit more shape to my brow. I like it, it will lessen my need to fill in my brows and will last around three weeks.

This is not the only deal they have going this week though, When you buy two products from the Benefit range they will also throw in a Cabana Glama DesTANation makeup kit in too! Of course I couldn't pass this up and grabbed a few items I've had my eye on.

Cabana Glama 

The Perk Up Artist

Speed Brow

So go on, Go give the girls in pink wigs a visit this week and leave with some perfectly shaped eyebrows. No booking required! 

Talulah Sale Brisbane!

I have something for you to jot down on your calendars girls! So a little bird has told me that Talulah are going to be having a fantastic one day only sale with up to 80%(!!) off. Interested?

The necessary details:

When? August 4th (Saturday), between 9 and 2 o'clock.

Where? At Mirra, 86 Bridge Street Fortitude Valley.

What? Items from their Summer '11, Autumn '12 and Winter '12 collections as well as show samples and limited editions.

I'll see you there!

Brisbane Warehouse Sale Alert! April 2012

Just wanted to let my fellow Brisbane readers know about the outlet sale over at the RNA Showgrounds happening over the next week. (So don't fret if it's too wet to go outside today, it's on until next Saturday!)
Here are the details that count:

Who?
Gap and Guess are the headline brands, covering their entire ranges (mens womens, footwear etc) the sale also features Aldo shoes, United Colours of Beneton accessories, Tumi luggage, Carlton luggage, Sisley leathergoods,  Travelite luggage and well as other leathergoods and items.

When?
Opening this Saturday the 28th of April and Closing Next Saturday the 5th of May. Opening hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day except Thursday where it will stay open for an extra hour in the evening.

Where?
RNA Showgrounds, The John Reid Pavillion, Bowen Hills Brisbane (Note there is a lot of construction happening there at the moment, so be warned, if you walk, the entrance you know may not be open to public and you may have quite the hike ahead of you.)

Bonus! They are accepting cash, EFTPOS, Visa and Mastercard as payment.

Let me know what you buy if you go!

Brisbane Myer Centre: Fashionably Free

So I might've mentioned on Twitter last week about the free Adorn necklace I manage to score while traipsing about the Myer Centre, but I haven't had the chance to let you guys know about the great promotion that they're running.

Called Fashionable Free, there are a stack of awesome stuff to score, with heaps of give-aways. Magazines, accessories, flowers, beauty services, the list goes on.

The general time to make your way each day is between 11 and 2, but to make sure you don't miss out on anything, you should like The Myer Centre on Facebook.

My favourite things? The free Three Minute Nngels and mini manicures from the Revlon Nail bar. Gotta love free grooming! So make the most of it and if you're in the area, visit the information desk and see what's going on!

What have you been able to check out and score??

Marie Claire Up Late Event in Brisbane

Eek! Something else is happening this Thursday, I'm just going to have to go to both!
Marie Claire to me is a magazine that may be considered quite upper class, the clothing is to die for, but the articles have a habit of blowing my mind. I just can't put it down until I've read everything each month.
So when I spotted that they're putting on an "Up Late with Marie Claire and James Street" Event, naturally, I'm there!
The aim of these events is to take the shopping experience to a whole new level with designer appearances ( I read we'll be able to rub shoulders with Edwina Sinclair from emerging  label Soot, Sass & Bide’s Heidi Middleton and Easton Pearson’s Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson (Who I have found to be incredibly nice ladies when I've met them through my old TAFE Lecturers) and many more will be around for the night. Also Marie Claire Editor Jackie Franks will also be about the event, meeting shoppers and giving advice.
It's really worth heading over as there will be great deals on offer and styling tips from professionals, even if you don't plan on buying, it will be one of the biggest fashion events in Brisbane for the year and it's open to everyone who wants to attend!
It starts after 5:00pm in James Street so head on over after work to check it out.


For more information and to see what deals will be available, check out the James Street Website here.

Source: James Street

Ra Ra Superstar Garage Sale Brisbane

Right about now I'm regretting my decision to budget budget budget and try and pay off my credit card, but that doesn't mean you can't go to this!
Over in Paddington there is an epic vintage store by the name of Ra Ra Superstar and today they're holding their Laneway sale. (yes, I should've told you early, bad blogger! Bad!) You can pick up dresses from as low as $15! and Accessories from as low as $5.
So the Details Birdette? Don't hold out on me!:
Where: Ra Ra Superstar store 284 Given Terrace, Paddington (Brisbane).
When: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Today! (21 of January 2012)

I hope you enjoy it and please show me anything you pick up!

Boxing day 2011 sales wrap up

So I shopped, and shopped, and shopped some more, what else would you expect of me really? Here's what I thought, there will be posts later of what I bought, but I'm pleased with my bargains. I didn't post yesterday purely out of exhaustion. I shopped, til I dropped.
One of the things every one who worships at the alter of the credit card needs to experience in their lives is to be in the crunch of people waiting to get into Myer or David Jones on boxing day. Hilariously the news-people filmed the outside entrance where no one really lined up, while people were milling around the indoors entrance to Myer for a good hour before it opened. I know, because I bypassed the crowd and went to find other shops that were open instead! Kind of disappointed they weren't open before 9, but I found early bird bargains elsewhere too.

In the city and Carindale I went to the following:

Dotti: Picked up some cute gear from their gift table, but other then that they have some good mark downs on clothing, good to refresh your wardrobe for summer.
Lorna Jane: Finally! I stalk Lorna Jane for cheap clothes because I can never quite justify the full price. Not as large a markdown as I like but still a lot more affordable with tights and older collections getting a good price chop. Full piece Malia Swimsuit for half price? Yup, nice one.
Forever New: Also good for having a pick over their gift table, I wanted one of the gorgeous bird print suitcases but they hadn't been marked down *sadface* my god wouldn't that have been fun to lug around during sale time!
Myer: The big one, it's certainly best to go to the first day of sales for Myer because they have all kinds of extra one day only sales on top of the rest of their specials. Gift packs were awesome, but in my opinion the clothing sale will only get better so I'll come back with fresh eyes after new years.
Sportsgirl: I didn't actually think they were going to improve on their pre-Christmas sale but I was wrong, They had all sale items marked down an extra 30%, and added all their gift-ware too, very nice. Though my experience was sullied by the occurrence I have noted in the last paragraph ...
Diva: Disappointment of the day, but I suppose I'm so used to the epic boxing day sales they normally have that this seemed really sub-par. I think barely a fifth of their stock was marked down, and none of it was the decent stuff, just what was marked down a few months back (I lie, they did add their Christmas gift stock). I seems that all they really did was stick up sale signs. No purchase.
Lovisa: Have marked down more of their stuff, there's some good stuff if you have a trawl, different stuff has been marked down compared to the recent sale so it's worth a look.
Alannah Hill: No real difference to pre-Christmas, but there's still lots of stock available. I think they'll have to mark down further if they want to move it by February.
David Jones: Impressive, lots of good solid mark downs, but lots of stuff that gets wheeled out for every sale too. If you keep to the shelves there's some good bargains. I noted that in among the Mimco handbags they had marked down bags that weren't on sale in the Mimco shops.
Mimco: Not a big improvement on prior to Christmas at all really, they say they've added more stock to the sale but I couldn't tell.
Peter Alexander: The one store I took a look at, look at the throng of people shopping and went 'F this!' and fled. Must've been good! Lol. I think I'll be shopping that sale from the safety of my armchair. Looking online it is good, Peter are known for having sales rarely, but when they do, they're epic.
Target: Faithful, well stocked Target. Good savings across the store, I had a good look at homewares, clothes and leftover Christmas decorations, alas, no fairy lights still available @_@. I recommend having a look at kitchen drapery, and classic clothing items,

One last point for anyone, for the love of god, leave your kids at home! (supervised of course, what are grandparents for?) I spotted one little girl in absolute tears because her mother had ditched her out the front of Sportsgirl because the girl had reached the end of her patience for following mum around all day. And FFS(!) it's fun enough trying to haul your shopping around without having to dodge people with strollers who think they have right of way!

Whatever happened to Boxing Day sales?

The pre-Christmas sales ate them, that's what! So many places have already started their sales it's ridiculous. There will be no difference between now and boxing day in the majority of stores, and I predict that the department stores are the only ones that there will be any difference (weather the difference is notable is another matter)
What this does mean for you is that if you haven't been out into the stores with your boxing day budget already, you best get into it! Here's just a small selection that I have found notable.

Review: 20% off new stock, and up to 50% off everything else.
Sportsgirl: Half of the stock looks to be marked down, I've picked up things up to 70% off before in their sales.
Portmans: Same goes for Portmans, truly worth going through.
Mimco: up to 50%, I bought a handbag from there today and the clerk told me she was surprised it was marked down as this type of bag never gets marked down ... bonus!
Alannah Hill: Up to 50% off
Cue: Up to 50% off

Can't handle the crowds? (They are pretty massive already!) Most of these shops have online counterparts but don't forget to check out ASOS marked down up to $50 off thousands of items. I've put an order through already.

Stores to check on Boxing day?

Diva: $5 racks galore, good god yes please!
Myer: Not one for the faint hearted, go alone, or take someone to hold your spot in the lines!
Kikki K: Up to 50% off

King George Square twilight indie markets

So who has done all of their Christmas shopping? If you answered yes then you are either lying or in need of a treat!
Or perhaps you need a fresh place to hunt for some more presents to finish off you lists?
BrisStyle Indie Twilight market will be occuring this Friday the 16th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with more then 100 sellers full of handmade goodies from local Brisbane creative types. King George Square is also nice and close to the centre of town for easy access. I'll be heading to check it out as I haven't had the chance yet and I'm really excited to check it out and hopefully finish off my shopping!
For more information, check this out.

Pre Christmas Warehouse and Sample Sale Brisbane

Just a heads up before it finishes. This sale is at 101 Jane street West End, and features labels such as Ben Sherman, Miss Sixty, Energie, Scotch & Soda, Havaianas and Maison Scotch.
Friday it is open from 7 to 7, Saturday from 7 to 5, and Sunday 9 to 4.
Personally I'm eager to check out the Maison Scotch!

Quick reminder! Brisbane Vintage Fashion Fair is on today.

I've totally spaced the last few days I wanted to put up a reminder about this on Thursday,bit late but if any readers want something to do today I highly recommend checking this out, even just to look!
I have blogged about the fair previously here. and you can also find out more information here.
Go! I implore you!

Don't forget! Kelly Doust book signing this weekend

Just a reminder about a previous post, The crafty minx herself Kelly Doust will be signing copies of her latest book; Minxy Vintage at the Brisbane Craft and Quilt Fair This Saturday at 10:00 AM. Entry can be bought at the door for $16. Brisbane Exhibition centre.
Check out her book here.
The rest of the fair is worth a look too, great for broadening your horizons (learn to sew will ya?!)

Minxy author Kelly Doust coming to Brisbane

Hey girls, while going through some information for an upcoming craft and quilting fair, (Don't mock me, sewing is invaluable.) I found out that Kelly Doust will be signing copies of her new book Minxy Vintage on October 22 between 12 and 2 pm at the fair.
For those of you who have no idea who I'm talking about, Kelly runs a site called The Crafty Minx, about her love of vintage clothing. In her latest book she helps readers bring vintage pieces into their wardrobes with some love, reviving techniques and care. She has fans in people such as Dita Von Teese and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant.
Even better? She's an Aussie girl!
The craft and quilting fair is also something I highly recommend attending. When you get past the fact that it's mostly attended by women past a certain age, you can find a wealth of knowledge, as well as things you never even imagined. It's fantastic for inspiration, as well as being educational. You could go not knowing a thing, and leave with at the very least knowing where you can find out more and many places that will help you along the way.
I'm excited now! I loooove getting books signed!

Just Fab

Went to another 30 days of FAB workshop today, this time hosted by the lovely Leigh Campbell of Cosmopolitan Magazine (I'm a big fan of hers and it was epic to meet her!) Free copy of Cosmopolitan and another awesome and free goodie bag, certainly worthwhile to go to if there are any you can get to!
Leigh walked us through some tips on how to master a 'red carpet' look with flicked eyeliner and nude lips, and I finally figured out where I was going wrong with my eye liner!
I have always flicked it up right at the end of my eyes, when the make up artist did my make up while I was there, she started the flick before the outer corner and my god it looks so cute! Tiny flick, big results.
 Le sigh, I just wish these thiings came around more often during the year.

Last Friday Night

Phone totally died while I was out last night, after a looong day at the office I had a 30 days of Fashion and Beauty Event to go to, One of the Priceline and Magazine Beauty editor ones, and you know what? Learnt some tricks!
Down the back they also had make up artists doing makeovers too, so while the guys at the front are demonstrating on the models, you can have anything they're demonstrating applied to you too, which made a nice reprieve while they were doing things I knew how to do, had a gorgeous girl do my make up for me. Pity I only had home to wear it to tonight but also scored two make over vouchers for Priceline.
The Grab bags are pretty damn awesome too, if you print out your email confirmation you get one automatically, (I think they're nice enough to hand out the rest to those who don't afterwards). They contain stacks of samples and some full size products, in particular I love the mini dry shampoo and Samples of John Freida's new haircare range. Worth sitting through the workshop just to get those!
So as I type I may be signing myself up to the rest of the priceline events, and I highly suggest any readers from Sydney, Melbourne Gold Coast and Brisbane do the same, well worth an hour of of your time.